The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan

 From the author of The Widows of Champagne, and inspired by true events, comes a gripping and heartwrenching story of two very different women united to bring light to the darkest days of World War II.

 
London, 1933
 
At first glance, Austrian opera singer Elsa Mayer-Braun has little in common with the young English typist she encounters on tour. Yet she and Hattie Featherstone forge an instant connection—and strike a dangerous alliance. Using their friendship as a cover, they form a secret society with a daring goal: to rescue as many Jews as possible from Nazi persecution.
 
Though the war’s outbreak threatens Elsa and Hattie’s network, their efforts attract the covert attention of the British government, offering more opportunities to thwart the Germans. But Elsa’s growing fame as Hitler’s favorite opera singer, coupled with her secret Jewish ancestry, make her both a weapon and a target—until her future, too, hangs in the balance.
 
From the glamorous stages of Covent Garden and Salzburg to the horrors of Bergen-Belsen,  two ordinary women swept up by the tide of war discover an extraordinary friendship—and the courage to save countless lives.
 
 

My thoughts:

A completely captivating, beautifully written novel that tugs on the readers heartstrings.  The characters the author introduces had me engaged from beginning to end, two sisters who love opera and the Austrian opera singer, Elsa are the main characters.  Watching their story unfold in World War ll, in 1933 London is they forge a friendship and knowing that it was inspired by true events made me  feel  sad but also eager to find out more about their stories.

Filled with kindness, love and danger, the ladies help rescue as many Jewish people as possible, but it becomes more dangerous with each passing day until it seems impossible, especially once Elsa is arrested for treason.  This is such a heartbreaking turn of events but the author tells the story beautifully.  This is a must read for fans of historical fiction.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley.  All opinions are my own.